Teqworks in Batavia helps businesses with IT needs
An interview with co-owner Matt Sidman
Q: Describe your business. What do you do?
A: Teqworks serves as an in-house IT department that keeps technology systems working, and more. We specialize in responsive, personalized IT advisement and service for each of our clients. Through this ongoing, personal and proactive relationship, we free a staff from the costly downtime and distractions of technology issues. We advise our clients when and how to apply IT investment and how to allocate it strategically. We make sure solutions fit within our client's business processes. Teqworks offers flat-fee service and unlimited help desk support. It is the IT expert and technical support services arm of Argus Business Consulting Services Inc.
Q: What made you start your business?
A: In 2002, Jerry and Matt started Argus Business Consulting Services Inc. to provide management consulting, technology consulting and IT support services to the small- and medium-sized businesses of the Fox River Valley area and beyond. In 2011, we re-branded our technical support and IT services as Teqworks Inc.
With more than 40 years of experience working with Fortune 100 companies, Matt and Jerry bring true, deep understanding of how technology works for businesses of the Fox River Valley area. We heard a consistent message from local businesses that they had to rely on technical support and IT advice from individuals who did not know their businesses, and felt at risk of falling behind competitors without the right technology to run the business.
Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running or starting a small business?
A: Many times, we find that local businesses do not have a good grasp of what their computers and technical support costs them. It is more than just the price of a computer, website or email hosting fees, and the hourly rate associated with a technical expert to fix a problem. Small business owners all know they have to wear many hats to make the business run right, and to keep things moving in an upward path with a limited budget. However, those small businesses that experience success all learn that they must leave the noncore functions to people they trust and can rely on to get it done. The things small businesses spend time and resources on outside of what they actually do to grow the business take away from the opportunity to be successful.
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?
A: Starting and operating Teqworks has allowed us to feel like we are truly helping local businesses and community members find a way to succeed in a very difficult business environment. We feel that our approach to IT support can let struggling businesses find a way to use technology to not only stay afloat in this economy, but predict costs and effectively use technology to actually grow and succeed.
Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young? When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: Matt and Jerry have been drawn toward technology, computers, gadgets and cutting edge widgets since as far back as they can remember. Perusing the Sharper Image catalog in the 80s was a fun way to imagine what can be done with technology.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: Technology is a moving target. Anyone who has ever bought a computer, television or mobile phone knows that the moment they walk out of the store there is a newer and better model available for a better price.
Q: You could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?
A: Keep it simple. Find those one or two things your business does best and make sure everyone knows what those are.
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Teqworks Inc.
<b>Address</b>: 117 Flinn Street, Batavia, IL 60510
<b>Owners</b>: Jerry Sidman and Matt Sidman
<b>Year business started</b>: 2002
<b>Web address</b>: www.teqworks.com